InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Memories ❯ Waiting at the End of the Rainbow ( Chapter 20 )

Chapter Twenty

Waiting At the End of the Rainbow...

"Father!" Yoichi appeared into his father's room and shut the door behind him immediately. "New report! The Lords and Ladies have arrived onto our Kingdom with their forces. No immediate number is available and they are currently heading up to the castle."

The Master of the Outlaws, the Lord of the Outlands rose, for the first time, out of his seat. His pale, alabaster skin shone ominously against the light that managed to seep through the windowsills. Dark, dark hair flowed through his backs in waves, much like coarse cotton. Ruby red eyes glinted maliciously, as he surveyed his son.

How did we not see...?

What had blind us all?

"Bring Kagome to me." The Master of the Outlaws narrowed his eyes. "I have no doubt Sesshoumaru wants his little toy back."

"Father?"

"GO!"

Without further adieu, Yoichi left the room in search for Kagome. The master turned his attention to the figure that had been behind him. The baboon pelt glinted in the light, contrasting against the dark décor of the room.

The devil...

...the demon...

"That was a brilliant move," The head of the pelt lifted, revealing the eyes of Naraku. "I wonder... Would Sesshoumaru risk the entire war just to save that pet of his?"

The man...

...the fool...

The master sneered. "The Lord of the West was weak, to fall victim to his own desires. Now, each of them shall pay for the humiliation of our forefathers."

"Yes, they will definitely pay," Naraku smirked and slowly allowed his miasma to escape his confines. The master's eyes widened in shock, as he was engulfed in the thick mist.

"What do you think you're doing?!"

What had blind us all?

Love or...

Greed...?

Spider legs captured the youkai master in their grasp, preventing him from escaping. "It's almost a waste to make you a part of me, as you were never the man your forefathers were. However," The struggling youkai could not even scream, as he was slowly sucked into the spider demon's body. His hand shot out, trying to keep himself from disappearing from the world.

Such a thing...

Naraku smirked, as he heard the final though of the youkai. "However," he repeated. Slowly his body transformed into that of the youkai. "Attaining your form is ever so useful."

Is it enough...?

Enough for redemption...?

---

Yoichi knocked once, before entering Kagome's suite. The Lady was inside with her handmaiden. "Lady Kagome," Yoichi stated.

Was this the purpose of the Lady before him? This pure creature? To become the ransom-the barrier-before the Western Lord?

Everyone hoped...

"Please follow me," he said, bowing at the door.

He watched the confused blink from the girl. Her blue-gray eyes clouded, as she frowned in bewilderment. Slowly, she rose from her seat and motioned for her maid to stay.

Everyone wished...

Yoichi led her out of her suite and into the hallway. He didn't understand. Why would his father do this? Such a plan would defile their ancestors to shame. Such action would not bring them to the attention of the Lords. They might win the war, but would they ever gain the respect of the Territories?

Everyone wonders...

"Come in," the voice of his father boomed through when he knocked at the door again. He led Kagome into the suite of rooms and wondered yet again.

How could the Sunlord...

...Give blessing to such a plan...?

---

"Do you know, dear Kagome, that your beloved Sesshoumaru is currently by the border?"

"Really?" came the dry reply. Such boredom sounded in her voice and face. And yet, her heart had started pounded the moment she heard the name `Sesshoumaru.'

Sesshoumaru? She wondered what he was doing here. Was he here to save her?

Do you care after all?

Something nagged at her, as though it was trying to tell her something. She tried to hear, but the thoughts of her conscious continued to block out the tiny voice of her subconscious.

...You once told me you did...

"And, darling, you'll become the bargaining chip for my rein over the entire Territories." The master stepped out into the light, showing Kagome his strangely beautiful and hideous face.

He was almost too much to look at. But was it because of his beauty? Or his ugliness?

"Bargaining chip?" Kagome asked. "You think Sesshoumaru would actually BARGAIN with you? And what makes you think I'll be such a docile creature as to allow you to bargain me?"

You said you`d wait for me...

...But until when...?

"How will you fight, Kagome dear? You are absolutely powerless."

Will you be there for me,

At the end of the rainbow?

Kagome shook her head. She WAS powerless. How CAN she fight? Has anyone been less unprepared for an upcoming battle?

---

Yoichi waited with his father, his back to Kagome, as the Tai's of the Territories rampaged through the Kingdom.

"Master," Yoichi finally said, using the proper title for his father. "Why are we not...?"

"Silence," his father replied. "Just do as I bid you, Yoichi. I have no need for a general who questions his betters."

"But, our people are dying out there!"

"Insignificant."

The front door of the castle opened. The castle and all its inhabitants watched as the Taiyoukai of the Lands all appeared with their forces. They reeked of death and destruction.

Naraku noted with satisfaction at the red tinge to Sesshoumaru's eyes when he caught sight of Kagome in his grasp. The miko in his arms started her struggles anew when she caught sight of the Demon Lord.

"Now, now," the disguised Naraku chastised, tightening the chains to her throat unceremoniously. "We have no such time for your struggles, dear Kagome."

The Lords and Ladies didn't even bother with the pleasantries. Were such greetings necessary for such barbaric cowards? They started the attack, just as the Outlaws began theirs. While the armies fought out their lives, Sesshoumaru dashed through the mass of fighting, heading towards his Kagome.

I love your eyes

For I saw your love…

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" He grinned, flashing whitened teeth. "How nice of you to join us!"

The youkai general before him tensed when he sensed the Tai's increasing rage. What is his father doing? Instead of gaining the Tai's respect, fighting this war with honor and bravery, his father is further defiling them!! However-

How can he betray his own father?

"Release Kagome."

Is it possible...?

...That you too...

The master laughed. Such a cruel, heartless laugh.

Sesshoumaru didn't listen after that. He attacked.

The end is drawing near...

Are you still yet here...?

---

"Sango!" Miroku cried, recognizing the figure fighting her way through the people. He slapped at the demons between them, before heading the rest of the way to her. "Sango!"

The demon exterminator didn't bother whose side she was hurting. Used her knives and swords to the best of her abilities, she was slowly heading closer and closer to the man that held Kagome captive.

No time to contemplate on what's going or who these people are. Enemy or ally, she had to get her friend.

"Sango!"

The familiar cry rocked her back a few paces. Frantically, she searched the battlefield for the source of the voice. Her eyes widened when they landed on a certain pair of violet eyes. "Miroku!"

The monk appeared before her, his eyes worried. "What are you doing?"

"Getting Kagome back from that creep!"

I've been waiting, all this time...

Waiting for you to appear...

---

Within the blink of an eye, Yoichi had blocked the path. His sword clashed against the Demon Lord's as the loud clang rang through the air. Fury and ki erupted through Sesshoumaru, causing his hair to fly behind him a few paces. He pushed at the sword, causing Yoichi to lose his ground.

A promise to you...

...One, than another...

Quickly backing, before he stumbled, Yoichi changed the position of his sword, creating a left Butterfly Sweep, trying to get at Sesshoumaru's defenses.

The Lord, however, simply blocked at the sweep with a specific twist that had Yoichi's sword flying out of his hand. A poisoned hand rushed out and slammed itself through Yoichi's stomach.

...Of love, of eternity...

Without looking, Sesshoumaru dumped the body of Yoichi onto the ground and headed for Kagome again. This time, however, a red-clad body blocked him.

"InuYasha," Sesshoumaru hissed. He glared at the bitch on his brother's back, noting her dark hair and red eyes. Something like dark mist continued to leave her body and weaving itself around his brother. "Move."

"I won't let you hurt Kagome. How dare you hurt her!"

...Of protection, of faith...

"InuYasha, look at her. She is NOT Kagome." Golden eyes gleamed red. "Move, before I rip your bowels out as well."

I've been blinded from the truth...

"InuYasha," her throaty voice whispered into his ears. "You promised to protect me..."

"NO!" Kagome's voice rang out into the air, shocking everyone on the field. Her captor froze for a moment, shock clear in his face. "InuYasha, you promised to protect ME! I am Kagome! Not that imposter!!"

InuYasha froze, turning to stare at the Kagome behind him. Something inside his eyes flickered, as he stared at the girl in captive.

Sesshoumaru didn't wait for him. In the nano-second that InuYasha had frozen, he had slipped past the hanyou and reached Kagome. Reaching out, he slashed at the master, spilling his blood.

Kagome crumbled and the master automatically shot backwards.

He narrowed his eyes at Sesshoumaru, before turning his gaze at Kagome. "Bitch."

Are you there?

Or are you here...with me...?

Kagome rubbed at the chain marks around her neck and wrists, as she slowly stood. Her head hurt immensely. Something at the back of her mind continued to whisper instructions to her.

What? She asked. What are you trying to tell me?

Meanwhile, Sesshoumaru had started his attack at the master. They fought their battle in a flurry of motions that no one could catch. InuYasha, still holding the girl on his back, started for the battle when Kagome appeared before him.

Wait for me...

Are you waiting for me...?

Her blue-gray eyes were set and she appeared determined. "Put that imposter down, InuYasha." She stated, as she planted her hands onto her hips. "She is NOT me."

"Don't listen to her, InuYasha," the imposter whispered, as she let loose even more of the dark mist into InuYasha. "You promised to protect ME. So PROTECT me. Destroy that clone of ME."

InuYasha blinked, as he tried to make sense of the two Kagome's. No, the Kagome on him was right. There's no way that she's the fake. She'd been with him all along.

He came dashing forward, ready to hit Kagome when-

"SIT!"

He came crashing down.

Shocked, the girl flew off his back as he came up close and personal with the ground. All the dark energy erupted out of InuYasha and came back to her. Her own body image changed, turning from the Kagome form back to her original form.

"You bitch!" She cried.

Kagome backed a few paces. She's weaponless and powerless. InuYasha, while might have gained his will back, would be stuck in that position for a while. And this bitch before her is...

"KAGOME!"

Sango and Miroku came running through. The imposter immediately backed off, realizing that she can't best these two ningens in a fight. Her art was manipulation and imitation, not the skills of fighting.

"Sango! Miroku!" Kagome smiled, relieved that all her friends were safe.

Her eyes turned to the fight above them.

I still remember your promise...

And yet I wonder still...

Do you...?

---

Sesshoumaru attacked again, slashing onto the master's sides. In the momentary pain, he faulted, giving the Demon Lord enough time for the killing blow. Toujikin let loose a stream of power, obliterating the master into millions of pieces.

The demon's body pieces landed at the Tai's feet, defeated and unmoving. Narrowing his eyes, Sesshoumaru slowly stepped back.

"Sesshoumaru!" Kagome cried, running forward. Her eyes clouded over with worry, as she checked for his wounds. "What hurts? Where does it hurt?"

You told me you loved me...

Sesshoumaru stopped her fussy hands and held them to his own. His golden eyes searched her worried blue ones, as he made his silent inquiry. Kagome's eyes widened briefly. "Sesshou...?"

You promised me you'd wait...

"I'm still waiting, Kagome." His eyes softened. "I'm still hoping."

Tears came. Oh, how they came. She opened her mouth, to speak, to tell. Perhaps, they would have a second chance.

Remember what you told me...?

Remember...?

However, a second later, her eyes changed from one of happiness, to one of horror. Her mouth opened not to tell of her forgiveness, not to tell of her love.

You said you'd wait...

Wait until the end...

...Wait until beyond...

She opened her mouth to scream a warning.

Sesshoumaru turned and swiftly blocked Kagome's body from the incoming threat.

The razor-sharp leg of Naraku in his true form, crashed through Sesshoumaru's heart. Kagome stumbled back a few paces, opening her mouth in a silent scream, as she watched Naraku drag her beloved's heart out of his body.

You promised me love...

You promised me forever...

The demonic heart pulsed a few beat in the palm of Naraku, before slowly stopping. Sesshoumaru, however, kept his gaze forever fixed on his love.

You told me you'd wait...

So are you there?

There for me?

Are you still waiting?

Blood gushed from his wound and his mouth as he breathed his final phrase. "Ai...Aishiteru...koishi..."

I'm here, love, at the end of the rainbow...

Are you here?

Are you waiting for me still?

Author's Corner

Yuki: {sobs} My all-time most headachy chapter!! Took me FOREVER to type this one up!! {sobs} My poor Sess...

Hachi: {sighs} Woman...

Kag: {wails} NOOOOO!!!! Sesshie!!!!!

Inu: {winces} Ow!! Shut it!!

Sango: {sniffs} That was so sad!! Yuki!! Why did you kill off Sess?!?!?!

Yuki: {sighs} Well, first off, sorry for the cliff. Secondly, just to inform everyone that Forgotten Memories is DEFINITELY drawing to a close. Another chapter or two and I'll be proclaiming this story finished.

Sess: {enters room, all bloodied} About time. {all females mob him}

Inu: {rolls eyes} The woman area is currently doing the water-works on you, because of your latest acting job... You'd think that that chapter deserved the Oscars or something...

Hachi: {sighs} Yuki has gone all-out lazy. There is a slight chance that FM will not have an epilogue.

Fanfiction

Pixy-Misa-Misao-Amano: Thanks a bunch!!

Wake-Robin: Sure, only problem is, you're never here...-.-

Kagome Goddess of Light: Thanks a lot for the compliment!! Glad you enjoyed it.

Shadow's Kit: Thanks for the review!! ^^-

Shadows-insanity: Thanks!

DemonWicca: Oh, gosh. I wonder how you reacted to this chapter...? {cringe} I've a feeling it's not the customary `wow' anymore...T.T()

SavedFromBoredom: You're correct, definitely. This story is closing down. Another chapter or two, I think. As for the epilogue, well you know.

Inu's Love: Glad to know you liked. Yes, I'll definitely be sending out email alerts if you sign up for the list. Thanks for the review on the chapters. I'll see to the revisions once I'm finished with the story. As for the lemon in that chapter, I think I'll have to be taking that out so, no, there really is no point in going back to it.

MoonlightPrincess: Here's the update!! ^.~

Kyisha: Here, I updated. Did I disappoint?

Mediaminer

**I am not sure what is going on with this site. It might be just my computer, or it might be a glich in mm.org. Either way, for some reason, I cannot see your reviews! I get the email alerts FOR the review, but when I click on the link, nothing happens! And when I check the site for the reviews, it stays the same.

So, sorry to anyone who might have reviewed in mm.org and didn't get an answer. I'll see to fixing it immediately! I'll try to answer your reviews before the end of this story!!

A Single Spark

Thanks to everyone who reviewed by mail. WE ABSOLUTELY ADORED IT!!! It completely made our day, seeing all the emails we received from you. So a huge thank you, to you all!!! ^.~

End

Yuki: Thanks for all the reviews!!

Hachi: And please CONTINUE to read and review!!!!

Happy Reading!!

Lots of greets,

Yukisora and Hachigatsu

Edited by: Wake-Robin

Last Checked: August 4, 2004